Deputy accused of taking prescription drugs from drop box

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - A 43-year-old Washington County Sheriff's Deputy faces multiple charges after he was videotaped taking prescription drugs from a drug take-back bin earlier this month, according to the a criminal complaint filed in Washington County court.

The first video showed Deputy Ricky Gruber, of Oakdale, opening the bin at the Washington County Law Enforcement Center and removing the drug drum inside on the evening of Feb. 6. He returned the drum 13 minutes later, according to the complaint.

The complaint said that additional cameras were set up and Gruber was seen removing the bin again on Feb. 12. The extra cameras showed him emptying the drum into a cardboard box, removing some of the drugs and then going into his office, authorities said. He returned to the drum and took it back to the take-back bin where he was confronted by his superiors.

Gruber said he took the drugs for personal use and that he stole a key for the bin from a co-worker's desk and made a copy of it, according to the complaint.

Some of the prescription pills that were taken include Amoxicillin, Hydroxyzine and Trazadone. They are valued at more than $1,000.

Gruber faces charges of drug possession, theft, and misconduct of public officer. He faces more than 16 years in prison if convicted.

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